It's slowly starting again. The first pollen are already flying around, so motorists can follow Hay fever need to take precautions.
One's joy, the other's sorrow: The rising temperatures make nature sprout and bloom. While some are happy about it, others think with horror what is to come: attacks of sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, a runny nose and shortness of breath. the hay fever season has begun.
Cabin filters are in almost every car
The pollen is particularly unpleasant for allergy sufferers in spring. Hay fever sufferers who are traveling by car should now take a few precautions if they don't want to yank the wheel during a sneeze-cold-itch attack or drive blind for a while.
A cabin filter is usually installed to prevent pollen from getting into the car via the ventilation system. This filters, among other things, pollen, dust and dirt from the air before they get into the passenger compartment. Older vehicles have them retrofitted. It is best to change the cabin filter annually, at the latest every 15.000 to 30.000 kilometers. If the filter no longer cleans, it can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria - a problem that also affects passengers who do not suffer from hay fever.
Without rain, the pollen quickly gets inside
Especially in spring, hay-sniffers should not park their vehicle under trees. It can literally snow with pollen here. If there is little or no rain, the pollen forms a thick layer on the paintwork and can get into the interior through open doors and windows. Speaking of open windows: they are best left closed. Just as you close the hatches in your house to prevent pollen from getting in, as much as possible as a driver you should do everything you can to prevent pollen from getting inside the vehicle in the first place.
This also includes storing jackets, coats, bags and shopping baskets in the trunk if possible. Regular vacuuming and wiping of the surfaces helps to ensure that the allergy triggers don't stand a chance in the car. If in doubt, ask family members or friends to do this work.
Protect irritated eyes
Because the eyes of people suffering from hay fever are very sensitive, it is advisable to wear sunglasses when driving. Especially in spring, the sun is very low in the morning and evening. Suddenly blinding rays of the sun can lead to fits of sneezing and additionally irritate the affected eyes. It also helps to have tissues handy.
Caution should be exercised with some medicines for hay fever: They limit - just like other preparations - the fitness to drive, among other things because they make you tired and reduce the ability to react and concentrate. For this reason, drivers should read the package insert for the medicine carefully and, if necessary, have a doctor prescribe another medicine. Basically, if you suffer too much from the pollen count, you should give up driving and have someone drive you.